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A MEMORIAL POEM 

Dedicated to the Senators of the United States, 

the Grand Army of the Republic and 

his Admirers, 

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Republican Print, Chester. , j-.. 

Copyright, 1887. By M. H. Devey, 
All Rights Reserved. 

^FEB 7 1887// ^ 






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S PREFACE. 

d 

The following Poem is designed for the especial 
benefit of those who liave been most intimately 
connected with him through life- 
Conscious of its many imperfections, yet, we 
trust, it may prove the oil of joy to thousands of 
those who have long known him to love until death. 
Our aim has been to present the plain truth, and, if 
possible to stimulate and encourage others to go on 
in life and do likewise; knowing how utterly im- 
possible it is for us to do justice in so short a time, 
and having so little niaterial at hand upon which 
our e>e and mind have been guided— being entirely 
dependent on the daily press for the short account 
of so great and good a man. 

It seems but a short time since we were listen- 
ing to his voice in this city, and with a masterly 
hand his elucidation carried with it a forcibleness 
not soon to be forgotten. His oratory seemed to 
be a continuous stream, and his telling speech on 
the upholding of our Government was, to say the 
least, the expression of a true heart. 

One by one, our illustrious and most distin- 
guished men are passing away. But a short time 
ago J. A. Garfield, C. A. Arthur, and General 
Grant; and yet, again, as a nation, we are called 
to mourn again the loss of one of our most dis^^in- 
guished citizens, John A. Logan, the silver-tongued 
orator of the U. S. Senate, who, in tlie sharpest 
debate, never turned his back to a foe, nor ever 
would take a mean advantage of one when in his 
power to do so. H'S strong and vigorous mind will 
long be remembered by those whom he was joined 



witli in THiblic labor; and his associates will miss 
him ill their chamber where his fluent tongue has 
so often given forth its sw^eetest charms. 

Xever has a man in this or any other land en- 
deared himself more to the hearts of his people 
than John A. Logan, who has, by his noble and 
rare acts of bravery shown himself te be one of the 
bravest of men that ever entered a field of battle; 
who, when hearing of the disastrous news of Bull 
Eun, had stirred within him all the fires of an hon- 
est heart, and he formed within himself a holy pur- 
pose—that his arm should be raised against dis- 
union and slavery. 

And he would strike for the right, 
And do it in his powt r and might. 
And he cast himself into the service he was des- 
tined to distinguish himself in as no other has; 
and for the accomplishment of it it may be truly 
said, he carried the marks in his body the remain- 
der of his life in meritorious scra's. 

His honest, yet sympathetic heart he could no 
longer withhold, and himself to learn the disastrous 
news of Bull Run was enough to kindle in him an 
unquenchable fire that was never blown out by 
hard and severe service. But he communicated by 
bis eloquent tongue what the patriotism of those in 
his State needed to stir them to action. He moved 
them as no other man did, until he was made Colo- 
nel and ready for service. He caused thousands to 
enter the service when needed. Those who knew 
him most love! him best, and he is taken away 
when he can be ill spared; taken aw^ay in the hour 
when he seems to be most needed for his country's 
good. His presence, w^ith its cheerfulness, will be 
missed in the wise councils of our nation. His 
heart, ever render, felt an indescribable sympathy 
for others in their misfortunes and sufferings, and 
thousands throughout our land who have told him 
their sorrows did it not in vain, if he could in any 
way benefit them. In him manv found their best 
friend, and those who could gain his ear felt sure 



that he would do what he could. Those who have 
mingled in his society have attested his sterling 
qualities and his manly dealings. 

John A. Logan was one of those heroic men 
who could bring victory out of seeming defeat. 
Again and again he has disappointed his foes in 
conflict and brought gladness to his friends, when 
others would have yielded and given way, saying it 
is useless. His untiring zeal led him on till he came 
out triumphant, and imparted to his brave, true 
men courage under his charge. The succession of 
battles he was in, doing ruch brave service, may 
never be equalled again. Great as a soldier, great 
as a statesman, nohshed as a scholar, true as a 
friend; love enduring as a husband, tne sunlight of 
his home; as a father, a perpetual smile of love- as 
a brother, love unchangeable. Happy were they 
who were his companions. 

The Grand Army will miss in him its truest 
brother; one who has brought to it nothing but 
honor, and, dying, leaves many hearts sad. Faith- 
ful in private, faithful in public life, faithful in 
office, faithful in his private home, faithful to all 
sorrowful ones, faithful as a comrade and General, 
faithful to his State, faithful to his country, faith- 
ful to his God— he die^. 

Hojiing that whatever is said in this small Me- 
morial Poem, it may add some small comfort to all 
who shall read it; that it may be "as oil cast on 
troubled waters," is the hope and prayer of 

M. H. D. 



JOHN A. LnGAN. 



Brave General ! He is now laid low ; 
So suddenly, friends did not know 

He was so near the end. 
Beloved for his true courage when 
Called into battle he was then 

A trusted one to send. 

Ne'er was honor harder won, 

Than by the true, brave John Logan, 

During the late fought war. 
His record as a soldier stood 
Second to none ; it was good. 

Without a blot all o'er. 

His service was so freely given, 
To keep his honor he has striven 

Ever since he gave his hand ; 
And Mexico still knows his name 
That won honor there, and fame. 

Serving his dear loved land. 

For years he pleaded at the bar, 
At his own home as well afar, 

His service as was need. 
Able defender ! He won his way 
At Louisvi'le, for many a day ; 
From Justice many freed. 

Senate hall his presence knew ; 
An advocate, fearless and true. 

And he won many friends 
"Who, lifelong to him, have heei, true. 
And learned so well what he would do, 

Are with him as life ends. 



A brilliant scholar, and well read ; 
This worthy leadei he has led, 

Well cultured in the arts. 
He in the classics took delight. 
His tastes kept sharpened day and night, 

In all their varied parts. 

And well supported by his wife ; 
A good help-mate has been in life. 

And feels the now sad blow. 
Her zeal is known throughout our land, 
Her works of charity shall stand. 

As many truthful know. 

His public service for his land 
In purity upheld shall stand, 

In all the years to come. 
His legislative skill and wit 
Helped him in many terms to sit. 

Gave him a warm welcome. 

And when that mighty conflict came. 
He saw the need— enrolled his name, 

And entered with a will. 
At Bull linn's loss he did display 
A courage known until this day, 

So well his place did fill. 

His State, so stong, appeals did hear ; 
They must send forces with him there. 

To give a crushing blow. 
Xor when his wants they long denied. 
For volunteers, some known and tried, 

They willing with him go. 

He still pursued an active hfe, 
And helped to shorten the long strife- 
Commander he of corps. 
He led the pride of Tennessee, 
In Sherman's great march to the sea, 
And destroyed their foes' great hopes. 



And often did his men engage; 
Thev were in Resaca's rage, 

The repul.-e of Hardie's men. 
In little Kenesaw Mountain would 
He and men do what they could; 

As have done, can do again. 

He faced the foe at Belmont, then 
Unswerving courage showed again 

Under the fiercest fire. 

That awful, timely b.iyonet charge; 
The awful breach it made s-^ large 

Raised their foes' great ire. 

How near brave Logan was to death; 

He seemed to be but a hair's breadth- 
Horse under him shot dead. 

His pistol shattered is by ball; 

No use to him is it at all— 
A leader at the head. 

Fort Henry he fought again; 

In store for him was wounds and pain. 

And he must lay aside. 
Fort Donaldson he did not forsake; 
Did he brave work for victory make, 

For whif^h so many died. 

Alas! That day was wounded, he 
Xo further service could now see, 

For weary months to come; 
He longed in heart to able be, 
To do his part— make others free; 

Friends wished him to come on. 

Again, when able, he went forth. 
And honor won he for the North, 

And promotion gain. 
Corinth his ski led hand did see, 
Diligent and untiring he; 

Nor did he toil in vain. 



Corinth his men did gladly guard, 

And foes then thought their future hard 

To keep the town and striven. 
Outflanked, they suffered a defeat; 
Many were glad they could retreat, 

They were so hotly driven. 

He and his men the railroads keep; 
vigilant, none of them sleep, 

When in ^heir danger's hour. 
Jackson to Tennessee they reach 
To prevent they them a breach; 

Rebels to feel their power. 

In recognition of his skill. 
So efficiently his place did fill; 

Such bravery did display. 
At the battle of Port Gibson then, 
Also then at Raymond, when 

They drove their foes away. 

Peach-tree Creek, where McPherson fell; 
That makes some sad, as it we tell; 

So noble and so true, 
Logan and his true, brave men, 
So desperate fought they a^^ain, 

Light thousand slain to view. 

His part at Ezra Chapel's scene, 
And in so many fights has been. 

Has proved him a brave man. 
Long marches with the best and true. 
That had no other end in view 

But end so well began. 

A career more brilliant can there be 
Than John A. Logan has, w^e see. 

Loved his dear land so well; 
To suffer on for weary years 

For freedom's work against such fears* 

For this he w^ounded fell. 



8 

His State thev feel the loss severe, 
Whom he well served for many a year, 

To hear his voice no more. 
Grand Army of the Republic they 
Will miss him in the ocming day, 

Who has cheered them oft before. 

At the battle then of Champion Hill 
His part in service he did fill; 

Led the centre in the seige. 
At Vicksburg, he and his column, they 
Are the first to enter the city 

After its sur-ren-der-age. 

Militarv Governor then was he. 
And maintained its dignity; 

Gold-medaled was by friends. 
During the year he visits north, 
His eloquence it proves of worth 

To win desired ends. 

McPherson, like Elijah, gone. 
His cloak on Logan dropped npon 

'I'o lead the forces on. 
And many a battle was hard fought, 
And many a victory was wrought: 

Sad scenes to look upon. 

His voice the Western States do hear. 
Such facts so plain made appear. 

To gain their sympathy; 
His fluent words like diamonds fell. 
As he the state of war did tell, 

And how the slaves to free. 

And when the noise of war is o'er. 
Returned to peaceful life once more. 

And obey the people's will. 
To Congress, elected by they. 
To represent them his own way, 

To serve them faithful still. 



His long, hard service on him lold; 
Easily stricken down with cold 

Leads to fatal disease: 
Heriditary in his life was set, 
And soon'arouse, or easy get, 

And him from life soon frees. 

Alas! Alas! Thy days now o'-r 
To enter on another shore, 

Where is no noise of war. 
His life and character are bright, 
His honor gave him a delight; 

Was loved our country o'er. 

Thousands join in condolence, would 
Weep with "his loved ones if they could, 

To show their great respect. 
A nation weeps in sorrow, they; 
How great its loss, no one can say. 

And keen is its regret. 

Our country cannot tell its loss; 
It smarts beneath its heavy cross 

A distinguished citizen. 
He was a blunt, but honest, man; 
Proves what to do a young man can 

If he truly will push on. 

To know him was to love him, sure; 
His loving friendship would endure 

As lasting as his life. 
They who knew him loved him best; 
Sonie watched him as he passed to rest, 

And peaceful, in no strife. 

Christian life's deportment good; 
Made him friends, with him have stood, 

Along lif- "- rugged way. 
A conscious i bought he would do well, 
Seemed in i<\:- heart to ever dwell 

At hom(\ M if away. 



10 

His liberal IimikI to aid all good 
A pleasure gave to help, if could, 

And not to disappoint. 
Broad-hearted, liberal to a fault; 
Advanced in age, saw he mast halt 

To gain a desired point. 

His honest, unobtrusive style 

May have provoked a scorn or smile; 

Th"s lived for many years. 
Alas! He knew not he must soon join 
(Company in mansions which are divine, 

Whence can come no fears. 

His stro ig and manly form admired, 
Who served so well and high aspired; 

A noble life did live. 
Vitality was ebbing slow, 
And undermined his health all thro'; 

Attention he did give. 

But still his work impelled to do, 
Surprising it did go through; 

Perhaps was to his hurt. 
Till his old foe, it did compel 
Him to cease in labors to dwell; 

Its power it did assert. 

For years its victim him had made; 
He, weaker, grew of it afraid 

His life by it would end. 
From time to time did ward the blow 
Which re-occurred so often, tho', 
He to life's chse did wend. 

The weather gave its warning voice, 
And at snow storms could not rejoice; 

The warnina: soon they gave. 
When speaking of a late snow storm. 
He knew not that so soon would mourn 

All, for whom he had been brave. 



11 

His military service none expel 
Than he on whom we yet would dwell; 

So honest and sincere. 
Mexican war we keep in mind, 
True valor in him they did find, 

And wished he was not there. 

All through his life there lies a vein 
Of honesty we may not gain 

Alike in future time. 
He climbed life's path by rugged toil; 
He would build on others' spoil; 

To do, he said, is mine. 

His comrades of the Tennessee, 
Their Major-General loved was he; 

The idol of their heart. 
He boldly led them through the war; 
Where danger was, would go before; 

In danger share his part 

His brilliant record of to-day 
Will not diminish on its way 

To every coming age. 
His civil service to his State 
Is recognized, although it's late 

To i)Ut on history's page. 

A brilliant example to our land, 

Of industry, and work so grand; ^ 

Fidelity, bravery rare. 
Public and private, he was the same; 
He did not (arnish his good name; 

Dishonesty he made bare. 

His public life above reproach, 

No sliameful schemes would he approach; 

Deceit he keeps afar. 
Sweet memories and kind w^ords there were 
For all that in his friendship share, 

And all dear to him are. 



12 

His kindly acts and words of love, 
A record has been kept nbove, 

Great and tender was of soul. 
Would well inspire you with a will, 
Your earthly mission to fulfill, 

Complete life as a whole. 

A living monument he reared, '^ 

Though hard his task, he never feared. 

Honored duty it to do. 
His life's work it will last and live, 
A louder voice to us will give 

Than stone memorials true. 

Tread softly near that dying bed, 
That dying one has been the head; 

He now must pass away. 
The sight so sad it was to see; 
Angels must in that chamber be. 

His spirit to convey. 

Up from this world of sin and death 
To go must first yield up his breath. 

Forever there to rest. 
>^o scenes of sadness there to see, 
His loved ones hope to with him be 

There, numbered with the blest. 

O may his life inspiration give 
To all in his dear land now live; 

To all afar and near. 
Then my humble verse will me repay, 
If I some plain truths do say, 
Cause herces to appear. 

A star in brilliancy so high. 
It drops forever from our sky 

To ascend in a higher sphere; 
To shine in more elf ulgent light. 
And dwell with God, forever bright; 

Forever with Him there. 



13 

Father, we know Thy will is best 
To take whom now Thow wilt to rest. 

From the busy cares of life; 
Light of our heart, or of our home, 
When bid by Thee we all must come. 

Leave all things may he rife. 

Father, still sweeten then that home; 
Disperse the thought they are alone; 

Thy joys still make tliem known. 
The light was there above does shine. 
And snine in glories all divine, 

Be welcomed to a throne. 

Father, Thy love is ever strong. 
And in that home didst dwell among 

In constant care and love. 
Their joys still sweeten by Thy grace. 
And show to them Thy lovely face; 

Although enthroned above. 

Father, we hope to loved ones greet. 
When all the good and faithful meet. 

Be united evermoi e. 
When grief and sorrow are unknown; 
The Lamb was slain is on the throne; 

We fall and Him adore. 

MATTHEW H. DFVP^Y. 
Chestee, Pa., January 1st, 1887. 



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